Resources · Managing Your Condition
Puffers & Inhalers

Respimat (Soft Mist Inhaler)

Soft Mist Inhaler — a slow-moving fine mist.

For patients & health professionals
Rapihaler Managing Your Condition · 23 of 26 Spiromax
Authorship & review
Dr Sean James Ledger, BSc Physio (Hons) MSc PhD FHEA
Director and Principal Physiotherapist
Ahpra registration PHY0002298174
Version
1.0
Last updated
12 August 2026
Next review
12 August 2027
Every guide on this site is reviewed at least once a year, and sooner when the evidence changes.
How these guides are written and reviewed →
In plain language

A Respimat is a Soft Mist Inhaler. Instead of a pressurised spray, it releases a slow, gentle mist that lasts about a second and a half — which makes it easier to breathe in deeply and get the medicine into your lungs. You load a dose by twisting the base half a turn until it clicks.

Respimat (Soft Mist Inhaler)
Respimat (Soft Mist Inhaler). Device shown for identification — your medicine and colour may differ.
This is a maintenance inhaler, not a reliever

Spiriva (tiotropium), Spiolto (tiotropium / olodaterol) and Striverdi (olodaterol) are taken on a fixed schedule to keep the airways open over the whole day. They are slow to start working and are not rescue medicines — do not take extra doses during an attack. Keep your separate blue reliever with you and follow your written action plan.

Examples of this type

Different medicines come in this device. Common examples include:

Brand names are examples only and availability changes — always go by the name on your own inhaler and your prescriber's instructions.

How to use it — step by step

1
Load a doseKeep the cap closed. Hold the inhaler upright and turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows (half a turn) until it clicks.
2
OpenFlip the cap fully open.
3
Breathe outBreathe out slowly and fully, away from the inhaler.
4
Seal and releaseSeal your lips around the mouthpiece (not over the air vents). Start a slow, deep breath in and press the dose-release button, continuing to breathe in slowly.
5
HoldHold your breath for about 6 seconds, then breathe out gently.
6
FinishClose the cap. Rinse your mouth if directed. Prime a new inhaler before first use as the leaflet describes.

Getting the best from it

  • The mist is slow — a slow, deep breath matches it well.1,2
  • Keep fingers off the air vents on the sides of the mouthpiece.
  • Track the dose indicator; the base locks when it is empty.

Looking after your inhaler

Wipe the mouthpiece with a damp cloth at least weekly. Most Respimat inhalers need the cartridge inserting and priming on first use — follow the pictures in the leaflet.

Not sure your technique is right?

Most people lose some accuracy over time.3,4 We can check your inhaler technique at your appointment.

Book an appointment

References & evidence base

  1. National Asthma Council Australia. Inhaler technique for people with asthma or COPD. Information paper for health professionals. Melbourne: National Asthma Council Australia, 2026.
  2. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Inhaler technique — device-specific checklists. Sydney: ACSQHC, 2020.

Further reading

References are numbered in citation order (Vancouver/BMJ style) and were current at the time of writing. Always follow the leaflet for your specific device and your prescriber's instructions.

How we treat this at the clinic

Everything starts with an assessment — your symptoms, breathing, exercise tolerance and daily function measured properly, so what follows is built on your lungs rather than an average.

Physiotherapy Assessment →
Important: This page is general information on inhaler technique, not a prescription or medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber and pharmacist, and the leaflet inside your specific medicine. If you are unsure your inhaler is working, or your breathing worsens, contact your care team — or in an emergency call 000. For a technique check, contact Inspire Clinic.

Corrections: If something on this page is wrong, out of date or unclear, we want to know. Email reception@inspireclinic.au with the page name and what you believe is incorrect. Substantive corrections are made promptly, and the guide’s version and last-updated date are changed to reflect it.